Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Feeling" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "feeling", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
気持ち
きもち (kimochi)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
げんなり
げんなり (gennari)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feeling" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 気持ち and げんなり.
In Japanese, 気持ち (きもち (kimochi)) is typically associated with "feeling; sensation; mood" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to one's internal state or emotion, or a physical sensation. Can be positive or negative. Often used in phrases like 気持ちがいい.
On the other hand, げんなり (げんなり (gennari)) maps to "feeling disheartened, jaded, fed up, disgusted, weary" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes a feeling of dullness, weariness, or disillusionment, often due to seeing or experiencing too much of something, or being disappointed. Something might become unappealing. 飽きたり、がっかりしたり、疲れてしまって、うんざりする気持ちを表す。. A literal translation of "feeling" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "気持ち"
彼の気持ちがよく分かります。
I understand his feelings very well.
Bilingual Context for "げんなり"
同じ話を何度も聞かされて、げんなりした。
I felt disheartened after hearing the same story so many times.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の ＿＿＿ がよく分かります。" (Meaning: "I understand his feelings very well.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "気持ち" fits here because it means "feeling; sensation; mood" in the context of: "I understand his feelings very well.". "げんなり" represents "feeling disheartened, jaded, fed up, disgusted, weary".